Old World Screwworm vs Goblin Mantis

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Old World Screwworm Goblin Mantis
Scientific Name Chrysomya bezziana Amorphoscelis pulchella
Order Diptera Mantodea
Family Calliphoridae Amorphoscelidae
Size 8-11 mm 15-25 mm
Habitat Forests Forests
Diet Parasites Wood Feeders
Regions Sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia, Southeast Asia Ghana, Cameroon, Nigeria
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Old World Screwworm

An obligate wound parasite of mammals found across Africa and Asia. Larvae invade wounds and feed on living tissue causing severe myiasis.

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Did You Know?

Unlike the New World screwworm, no sterile insect program has yet successfully eradicated this species.

Goblin Mantis

A tiny, cryptic mantis found on tree bark in West African forests. Its mottled brown coloring makes it virtually invisible against bark surfaces.

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Did You Know?

At less than 25 mm, it is one of the smallest mantis species in Africa.